Architect who designed Pragati Maidan wants buildings saved

New Delhi: Leading architect Raj Rewal, who designed Pragati Maidan, is highly miffed at the proposal to raze most of the existing structures.

"This is outrageous. We had heard of these plans and had written to the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation chairman and minister but since we did not hear back, I presumed the matter was under consideration. However, if the plans have been finalized, it comes as a surprise to me," said Rewal.

Credited with the landmark 'Hall of Nations' inside Pragati Maidan, which is also set to be razed, Rewal said that several eminent architects and historians have demanded that certain structures within Pragati Maidan be preserved as Delhi's heritage.

"Delhi Urban Arts Commission (DUAC) and Intach have written to say that iconic structures like the Hall of Nations and Hall of Industry should be preserved. The Pragati Maidan complex has been built over an area of 115 acres. Buildings like the Hall of Nations, Nehru Pavilion, Handicrafts pavilion, etc. barely occupy 5-10% of the total area. Why can't they preserve these and build around them. There is no need to tear everything down," Rewal added. tnn